Where Fuel Meets Future
Just as we can effortlessly sneak away to our next adventure, we also have easy access to a wealth of natural resources. From towering wind turbines to gleaming solar panels, Colorado’s energy industry is as diverse as its landscape. We’re always moving forward, and so is our approach to energy – whether it’s solar, wind, biofuels, natural gas, oil or coal.
Whether you’re a geologist trekking out in the field, a clean energy geek focused on the next Smart Grid innovations, or you like to rock a hiking boot/lab coat combo, we’ve got you covered. Colorado’s energy and natural resources industry supports about 100,000 workers and accounts for nearly $11.4 billion annually.
We’ve got oil and gas. We’ve got sun (more than 300 days, to be exact). We’ve got wind. Need we say more? If we must, some of the most bountiful oil and gas reserves in the country are hiding just east of the Rockies, and numerous clean renewable energy assets, including solar power and wind resources, are sprinkled throughout the state.
We were the first state to pass a voter-approved renewable energy standard. And we’re proud of it. Now, our investor-owned utilities will acquire 37 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. To reach this milestone, a world-class hub of local research universities – such as Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins and federal labs like Golden-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – are helping our state further develop our innovative and balanced energy mix, so we can enjoy both Colorado’s natural resources and stunning scenery for years to come.
Links & Resources
Key Facts & Figures
Energy Companies
Employees as of 2022
Total annual payroll
Colorado's renewable electricity net generation has more than tripled from 2010-2021
of the state’s net generation are from renewables (2021)
State in the nation for natural gas production (2021)
State in the nation for crude oil production (2021)
State in the nation for solar energy (Forbes, 2023)
